Are you an IISER aspirant? Are you also preparing for NEET 2024? Are you unsure of how to best prepare for the IISER aptitude test as a prospective NEET candidate? If you are from the PCB stream but unsure if you should try the IAT, this blog is just for you. We promise that after reading this blog, your thoughts will be clear.
In this blog, we will discuss:
- Understanding IAT
- Understanding NEET
- Similarities and differences between IAT and NEET
- How to Prepare for the IAT as a NEET Aspirant?
Understanding IAT:
The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is a computer-based MCQ examination administered in India for admission to seven IISERs, including IISc Bangalore and IIT Madras (4-year BS in Medical Sciences and Engineering), offering a variety of undergraduate programmes. The exam includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs), which are designed to test candidates’ analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and comprehension of basic scientific concepts.
The difficulty level of the exam is lower than NEST and JEE Advanced and higher than JEE Mains. Questions comprise physics, chemistry, maths, and biology. Though you can attempt any of maths and biology, we advise you to attempt all portions to get good marks.
Understanding NEET:
The National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) is for students who want to study undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS), and some other allied health science courses in government or private medical colleges across India. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the NEET examination. It unified the application process for medical and dental programs across the country, replacing multiple separate entrance exams that were previously administered by various states and healthcare facilities. Every year, more than 20 lakh students apply for the NEET exam, making it a competitive examination. You will only get physics, chemistry, and biology questions on NEET.
You can also get into IISc through NEET 2024. Check out this blog to know more.
Similarities and differences between IAT and NEET:
Although both the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) and the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) are entrance exams administered in India, their functions and skill sets are evaluated differently.
Similarities-
- Both NEET and IAT are national-level entrance examinations conducted in India.
- Both exams are highly competitive, with a large number of students appearing for limited seats. However, NEET is more competitive than IAT because of more number of students appearing for NEET than IAT.
- Both NEET and IAT typically consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), where you are required to choose the correct answer from the given options. There is a negative marking, too. Check out IAT 2024 exam pattern from here.
Differences-
- Students who want to study undergraduate medicine (MBBS) and dentistry (BDS) at colleges like AIIMS, BHU, etc in India are the main target audience for NEET. The IISERs offer integrated Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs in various scientific disciplines. Students interested in basic science programs must take the IAT.
- You must prepare biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics for the IAT exam, as it covers all four subjects, whereas the NEET only requires biology, chemistry, and physics.
- NEET mainly evaluates applicants’ knowledge of biology and related subjects that are relevant to courses in medicine. IAT aims to identify students with a strong aptitude for scientific inquiry and research in various scientific fields.
- The IAT exam is a computer-based exam, whereas the NEET exam is an OMR sheet-based exam.
- Exam topics are similar, but question types and levels of difficulty vary. While IISER Aptitude Test questions are frequently intricate and multi-step, requiring analytical thinking, NEET questions are more direct and application-based. This makes the NEET exam easier than the IAT.
- With about 18 lakh candidates, NEET is a very competitive exam; in contrast, the IISER Aptitude Test has a smaller pool of candidates, about 200,000. There is still a lot of competition for IISER Aptitude Test seats, particularly for popular programs at top IISERs and IISc.
- The exam pattern of IAT and NEET is also different. IAT has 60 MCQ questions of 3 marks each and -1 marks as negatives. The duration of the exam is 3 hours. On the other hand, NEET has 180 questions to be answered, and each question weighs 4 marks and -1 is negative. The duration is 3 hours and 20 minutes.
How to Prepare for the IAT as a NEET Aspirant?
Syllabus Analysis: To start, review the IISER Aptitude Test syllabus in detail. It usually corresponds with the NCERT curriculum for classes 11 and 12. Determine the essential subjects in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, and rank the areas in which you still need to improve. However, you must remember that NCERT is sufficient for neither NEET nor IAT. You can join SciAstra crash courses where we provide important notes for important topics and mock tests for your regular practice.
Understanding Mathematics: Learn the mathematics topics covered in the IAT syllabus. Algebra, trigonometry, calculus, coordinate geometry, and vectors are frequently covered. Add more reference books or study materials made especially for mathematics.
Solve the question papers from previous years: To familiarise yourself with the exam format, question types, and time management, solve previous years’ IAT question papers and solve them. Examine your performance and note any areas that require development. Check out free PYQs from here.
Take Mock Exams: To simulate exam conditions and gauge your level of preparation, take regular mock exams. When completing practice exams, time yourself to increase your accuracy and speed. Examine your errors and make improvements. Check out free mock tests from here.
Benefit from your NEET preparation: NEET preparation aids in the addition of critical abilities needed for success in all exams. They include stress management, time management, having a diligent work ethic, etc. These abilities will also be beneficial in IAT.
Choose the right course: Of course, taking online courses is an option if you want to learn everything there is to know about the IAT exam and improve your exam preparation. Undoubtedly, you can take Sci-Astra online courses to learn the essentials. Making the right decision is the only thing that will put you on the correct path.
Leaving Math: If you excel in the other three subjects, you may be able to drop math. However, it will undoubtedly be dangerous, and you won’t receive the best IISERs in India. You can make an effort to learn the math topics covered in the exam by taking online courses, doing practice questions, and giving mock exams.
Practice Time-bound Sessions: To replicate exam conditions, practice sessions should follow time constraints and replicate the level of intensity found in the actual exam. This will enhance your time-management abilities and endurance.
Conclusion:
Successfully passing the IISER Aptitude Test requires careful preparation, committed work, and strong determination. NEET applicants can successfully navigate the exam’s complexities and get admission to their desired IISER, where they will have great opportunities in science and research.
If you want to know about the latest course being offered in Medical sciences by IIT Madras, click here.
FAQs:
Q: How to prepare specifically for IAT?
A: You can take help from SciAstra. Through our YouTube channel and website, we do not just guide students about different exams; we also provide courses that can help you ace exams like IAT and NEST.
Q: What is the difference between NEET and IAT?
A: NEET focuses on medical and dental programs, while IAT is for integrated BS and MS programs in basic sciences. NEET is highly competitive, whereas IAT sees comparatively fewer participants.
Q: How does the exam pattern of NEET differ from IAT?
A: NEET is a three-hour exam with 180 MCQs in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. IAT includes mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, with different question styles and complexity.
Q: Can NEET preparation assist in cracking IAT without additional effort?
A: While NEET preparation provides a foundation, additional effort is required for IAT, particularly in Mathematics and deeper conceptual understanding. Check out this blog to know more.
About us:
SciAstra is a team of scientists and research scholars from the top research institutes around the world like Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and so on. Our vision is to promote critical thinking and scientific temperament by helping students in their careers in science.
We offer many free and paid courses where our mentors from the top research institutes like IISER, NISER, IACS, CMI,ISI IISC Bangalore, etc teach students in live classes, with study materials, mock tests, books, and everything needed. We have taught more than 10,000 students already since 2021 and achieved over 1000 selections with AIR 1, 7,10, 12, and 13 in IISc Bengaluru, IISERs, NISER, IACS, and so on. If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST 2024, you can check out our courses and get access to live classes, recorded lectures, study material, mock tests, doubt-clearing classes, and much more!
To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from the Play Store!
